Effects of climate change on malaria morbidity and mortality in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of climatic changes on malaria parasite prevalence, morbidity and mortality in Taraba State, Nigeria. Using a retrospective study design, the study relied on secondary data covering a period from 2005 to 2014, obtained from Meteorological Station Jalingo and Health facilities. Mean annual rainfall, temperature and relative humidity from 2005 to 2014 were 1 886 mm, 24.2 °C and 70%, respectively. Per 1 000 people, mean malaria morbidity was 228.9 and mortality 0.311. Years with peak malaria morbidities (2006, 2011 and 2014) had lowest annual rainfalls (1 488–1 677 mm). Monthly, malaria morbidity had a significantly negative linear relationship with rainfall (r = −0.536, p < 0.0001) and relative humidity (r = −0.509, p < 0.001), and a significantly positive linear relationship with temperature (r = 0.305, p = 0.001). Within the decade, malaria morbidity and mortality increased by 0.298% and 0.0007%, respectively. This study provides information on the malaria situation in Taraba State that could be useful to the National Malaria Control Programs and public health service providers in formulating policies that might promote the mitigation of malaria in Nigeria.

Keywords: climatic elements, climatic variables, rainfall, relative humidity, temperature